There was a drafting table in one corner, above which a carefully drawn illustration of a house was taped to the wall; the corners of the drawing were yellowing with age, and the paper appeared to have cracked in places.There was a drafting table in one corner, above which a carefully drawn illustration of a house was taped to the wall; the corners of the drawing were yellowing with age, and the paper appeared to have cracked in places. Several tears in the sheet had been repaired with cellophane tape, telling me this drawing had moved a couple of times, but probably wouldn't survive moving again. "This house," I said aloud, "You live there once?" "I was going to," Victoria replied, two plates in her hands. "Come, I've got dinner ready. Sit down." I took a seat at her dining table where she indicated. From where we sat, we could look out the windows at the stars overhead. "You were going to? What happened?" "I drew that back when I was young, and poor, and new to Luna. Then the accident, and... " Her voice trailed off. "I haven't been to Terra since then, you know." "I know." She laughed softly. "It's sad, isn't it?" she said, turning to look at me. "I have all the money I could ever want, the affection of everyone on Luna, but I just can't do what I want. I can't go home." "So, what happened to the house?" "Oh, it never existed. I was just drawing it freehand to see what I thought I wanted. It looked about right for New Hampshire, huh? I guess I could have given the drawing to my daughter, but she never could stand to live out in the country the way I wanted. |